Western Isles Council has voiced concerns over local jobs and security in the latest instalment of the “remote” air traffic control towers row.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have highlighted potential losses in employment following the announcement by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd to centralise their air traffic control management and introduce digital remote towers (RT) to 11 airports, which would be operated by a Remote Tower Centre located on the mainland.
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Chairman of the Comhairle’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said he is worried about the effect on the local economy.
He said: “The Comhairle is concerned at the potential loss of a significant number of high quality well-paid jobs in the Islands.
“Our understanding is that a total of 17 posts could be lost directly from our communities which, in as fragile an economy as the Outer Hebrides, would be a substantial impact. A further four posts could be lost through indirect and induced impacts.
“We also have concerns about a Centralised monitoring system given the shortcomings in the reliability, resilience and security of existing communications infrastructure.”
SNP MSP Alasdair Allan added: “When I met with HIAL’s Managing Director and Chair about this proposal earlier this month, I was keen to stress that there are concerns about the potential for the islands to lose high-quality well-paid jobs.
“HIAL have cited recruitment challenges as one of the motivations for this proposal, but this is an issue the industry as a whole faces and it is hard to accept this is something unique to the islands. It is also troubling that Benbecula is earmarked as the first airport to transition to remote operation.”
The report was published in December and officials say it’s too early to predict if there will be job loses.
A HIAL spokesperson said: “The Remote Towers and Centralised Air Passenger Surveillance air traffic management strategy is a long term project and is at a very early stage. HIAL currently expects the net number of air traffic control jobs to remain close to existing levels.
“There may even be additional jobs available, but at this stage in the process it is too early to be specific around the numbers, location, or specific roles. As the process continues we will update staff and other stakeholders.”
